rdinak

Allow me to share a story that might help.  I had not had new ink in about 20 years. I am 56. Was a little nervous going into the local shop near my home after lots of research. Met a great, young artist with about 8 years experience. Guy is very talented and prefers to work by appointment. 
He is very down to earth and will quickly tell you what he can and cannot do. I booked an appointment and had a great experience. 4 sessions later I really appreciate his talent and the way he prefers to work on one large piece per day instead of high volume walk ins. Quality is always worth the wait. I usually book 30 days in advance because that's the only way I can get the exact times and dates I prefer.
If I were to China or Japan again knowing what I know now, would I get new ink from a different artist. Yes...it would be part of the experience. 
 

GingaNinja you cant be over 29....LOL
 
Russell

GingaNinja you cant be over 29....LOL
 
Russell

Have been going through a surprise divorce after 34 years. Learning how to live and be at peace again. New Ink helps.
 
 

Ginganinja that is some very nice work. Blend of colors worked out very well.

My son is a Captain in the Army,  and a nurse. He is the guy who goes the extra mile to help heal America's finest. As a father I am very proud of my son!
He wears this ink with pride.
God Bless all who have or do serve!

Went back for session 2 on the dragon yesterday. Got all of the black shading done, and just started on color. After five hours I was wore out.  Cant wait for my next session. 

Went back for session 2 on the dragon yesterday. Got all of the black shading done, and just started on color. After five hours I was wore out.  Cant wait for my next session. 

And here's what Mike made for me on Saturday. Next level chrysanthemum. I am so thrilled!

My son is a Captain in the Army,  and a nurse. He is the guy who goes the extra mile to help heal America's finest. As a father I am very proud of my son!
He wears this ink with pride.
God Bless all who have or do serve!

Went back for session 2 on the dragon yesterday. Got all of the black shading done, and just started on color. After five hours I was wore out.  Cant wait for my next session. 

Went back for session 2 on the dragon yesterday. Got all of the black shading done, and just started on color. After five hours I was wore out.  Cant wait for my next session. 

One thing I like about my artist. He is very down to earth and real. On my first visit I explained what I wanted. He politely told me there was no way and why. Based on his recommendation I adjusted course and booked an appointment. First tattoo exceeded expectations. Booked a second visit and we came up with a plan for a cover piece. Dude took a lot of photos and time drawing exactly what he thought would work in the theme I wanted covering a 20 year old tattoo. After three sessions we really hit it off and enjoy working together.
My artist prefers large pieces, detailed planning, and commits to excellence. He is very careful about accepting cover work. 
What does this have to do with tipping? A couple nice tips let my artist know I appreciated his work. These days the appointment list is getting longer. Its nice to be able to plan ahead and know exactly what to expect. When I booked my next session for next Saturday, my artist declined a deposit because he knows I will show up a few minutes early and be relaxed. So I handed him a few Cuban cigars instead. 
Building relationships with the staff of a nice shop and your favorite artist are always good things. Excellent work, fun visits after the work is done to see how it is healing and referrals keep the best businesses going. I want my local shop to do well. If most of us are honest... Dont you want a raise where you work? Then put some good will out there and watch what happens.
 

Looks good. Keep it clean and use a quality aftercare product for the next few weeks to keep the area moisturized. Always good to protect your new work of art from the sun. 

Awesome work

Went and made my appointment for the next phase of my dragon half sleeve. Have to until Nov 11th because my artist is booked on large pieces for the next three weekends. 

I sit well. I tip well. I don’t bring drama. You know what that gets me? Back in! I’ve had artists come in hours before the shop opens, stay late and fit me into their otherwise insanely booked schedules. I’m basically commissioning a piece of art from them for every tattoo. I am more than happy to tip!

Awesome thread-My parents are in their 80's. Father is a very conservative Baptist minister. My mom was always cool. When I got my first ink a long time ago, it was never an issue.  I respect my parents even though I am 56. At my age its cool if my ink peaks out from under my short sleeve shirt. LOL
You know it's good when your mom knows you wear a confederate flag and she smiles.
 
My Niece thinks I am crazy..just a generational thing I guess

I am a history buff and a bit of a rebel from way back. Went against the current tide and got a Confederate flag.  It  does not show it under a short sleeve shirt. Some of my ink is for me and no one else.
On the other hand...if my dragon half sleeve peaks out from my shirt I have great pride and will give you my artist card.

I am a history buff and a bit of a rebel from way back. Went against the current tide and got a Confederate flag.  It  does not show it under a short sleeve shirt. Some of my ink is for me and no one else.
On the other hand...if my dragon half sleeve peaks out from my shirt I have great pride and will give you my artist card.

Have been going through a surprise divorce after 34 years. Learning how to live and be at peace again. New Ink helps.
 
 

Have been going through a surprise divorce after 34 years. Learning how to live and be at peace again. New Ink helps.
 
 

Have been going through a surprise divorce after 34 years. Learning how to live and be at peace again. New Ink helps.
 
 

Have been going through a surprise divorce after 34 years. Learning how to live and be at peace again. New Ink helps.
 
 

Going in Monday to have the flag on my left arm finished. I am excited. 
Bumped the wall last night with my right arm covered in hustle butter after the tegaderm came off the dragon. Saying that left a mark is an understatement. Been wearing Google out trying to find out how to clean that greasy spot off the wall without having to repaint.  LOL